Walter D. Binger

Walter D. Binger (January 16, 1888 – March 17, 1979) was a civil engineer and member of the historical preservationist movement in New York City.

Early life and education Walter Binger was born in New York City on January 16, 1888. His parents were Frances (née Newgass) and Gustav Binger. He had three siblings: Elsie Naumburg, Robert Binger, and Carl Binger.

During World War I, Binger was a second lieutenant in the Air Service Construction Division of the American Expeditionary Force. He ran his own company, Thompson & Binger Inc., from 1920 until 1928. From 1938 to 1945, he worked as Commissioner of Borough Works for Manhattan. In this role he directed the construction of the Harlem River Drive and the East River Drive.

Binger served as chairman of the National Engineering Advisory Committee during World War II. He did consulting work on civil defense for the British government and on public works systems for Iran. Their report highlighted the extent to which the bridge would have obstructed views on both sides of the East River and proved Moses's initial cost projections to be vastly underestimated. Although the bridge proposal was later approved by the New York City Council, it was never built, and the Brooklyn–Battery Tunnel now serves its intended purpose. Binger defended it as "almost surely the most functional large building in the world" and was backed by the Museum of Modern Art, which selected the Municipal Asphalt Plant as one of the 47 best buildings constructed in the U.S. between 1932 and 1944. The iconic arched building, which is no longer in use for city works, is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Writing and philanthropy

Binger wrote books about engineering, including What Engineers Do: An Outline of Construction (1928) and What Engineers Do: Engineering for Everyman (1938). He also wrote about a favorite pastime, fox hunting, in his book Irish Fox Hunt. After retiring from engineering, he served as the president for the Jacob and Valeria Langelogh Foundation, an organization advocating for better elder care in nursing facilities.

Personal life Binger was married to Louisa Beatrice Bronson Sorchan, with whom he had three children: Charlotte Binger Hasen, Frances Binger Mitchell, and Bronson Binger. His son Bronson Binger was an architect and historic preservationist.

Walter Binger died in Lenox Hill on March 17, 1979, at the age of 91.